Translational Centers Using Microphysiological Systems for Infectious Diseases (U54 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
NIH supports a consortium of centers refining human tissue models for infectious disease research and medical intervention testing to support regulatory acceptance; clinical trials are not allowed.
Funder: National Institutes of Health
Due Dates: December 29, 2026 (Earliest submission) | January 29, 2027 (Application, 5:00 PM applicant organization’s local time)
Funding Amounts: $7 million estimated program funding for 5 awards; project periods up to 5 years
Summary: Supports translational centers refining human microphysiological systems for infectious disease research, medical intervention testing, and regulatory qualification.
Key Information: Human-derived, reproducible MPS platforms with fluid flow are required; clinical trials and animal studies are not allowed.
Description
The National Institutes of Health’s Translational Centers using Microphysiological Systems for Infectious Diseases (TCMID) program supports a consortium advancing human cell-based MPS as preclinical tools for infectious disease product development. Participating offices include the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Office of AIDS Research, and NIH Office of the Director.
Centers will refine well-validated human tissue models, establish endpoints reflecting human responses to infection and therapeutic efficacy, and develop two to four specific Contexts of Use (COUs). The goal is submission of letters of intent to FDA drug development tool qualification or Fit-for-Purpose programs, supporting regulatory acceptance and adoption by product developers. The work aims to capture human variability and patient-specific characteristics while accelerating safer treatments, reducing costs, and reducing laboratory animal use.
